In April 2022, NIST stopped accepting applications for validation certificates for the FIPS 140-2 standard of security in lieu of the updated FIPS 140-3. While many companies are still waiting for their FIPS 140-2 certification (if they got their application in before the April deadline), many are now considering adopting the new 140-3 standard.

But, to understand the new standard, it’s important to understand the old. FIPS 140-2 has been the NIST standard for cryptography for almost two decades, and its impact will still be felt for years to come.